In London, Europe’s decline becomes evident
Landing at London Stansted for the first time? Prepare to be underwhelmed. Yes, Stansted isn’t Heathrow – it’s the budget airline hub, and it shows. You’d expect a bit more from a city that’s supposed to be a global metropolis. Instead, you’re greeted by a dreary gray atmosphere, followed by yellowed, worn-out carpets lining the […]
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Lebanon: A Nation on the Brink
The Echo of a Catastrophe On August 4, 2020, the world watched in horror as a massive explosion rocked the Port of Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. The blast, caused by a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port, resulted in at least 218 deaths, over 7,000 injuries, and an estimated $15 […]
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Where the New Year starts with the Moon – Celebrating Lunar New Year in Asia
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is an ancient celebration that has been passed down through generations, steeped in tradition, culture, and symbolism. It is a time of reunion, renewal, and hope, as families and communities come together to honor their ancestors and welcome the new year. This year, the […]
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Women in chains: The stolen brides of the Caucasus and Central Asia
“What would be better? If she married a man without money or education out of love?” Suleyka is dressed all in white. Her long lace dress is adorned with pearls and her elaborate wedding hairstyle is shrouded in a veil. We are in a small village in Chechnya. The table is richly laid, carpets hang […]
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„We are ready to fight“ – What is really behind the newest escalation of the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo?
The atmosphere at the border between Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo can best be described with the word strange. Serbian border guards stand armed to the teeth at the small section that separates the two territories. The tensions that have been in the air for months are clearly tangible. Those who cross the border […]
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Silent treks through the jungle: The mystery of Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers final journey
Kris Kremers and Lisanne Froon were two Dutch college students who had decided to take a gap year from their studies at University of Utrecht, travelling around South America. On April 1, 2014, they arrived in Boquete, Panama, eager to explore and experience all that the jungle had to offer. Little did they know that […]
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The day that changed Ceuta – The border crossings that deepened the distance
Tension is a constant presence in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Located on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast in North Africa, Ceuta is closer to Morocco in many ways, but it still belongs to Europe. At least on paper. Being nestled between a dry and hilly landscape, Ceuta is home to a diverse population and Spanish […]
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The legendary fire goddess Pele awakens: The eruption of the Manua Lao Volcano in Hawaii
It was a just one of many warm and peaceful Pacific nights in Hawaii when suddenly a rumbling began on November 27 around 11:30 pm. The Mauna Loa, one of the largest active volcanoes on Earth, erupted more violently and quickly than experts had expected. Hot lava powerfully made its way through the rocks down […]
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